Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Novel Techniques for the Preparation of Different Epoxy/Thermoplastic Blends

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Handbook of Epoxy Blends

Abstract

Epoxy/thermoplastic blends have received a high degree of attention owing to the fracture toughness improving without significantly compromising the thermal and mechanical properties. These materials are mostly prepared by mixing thermoplastic with epoxy monomers and curatives, and then undergoing a reaction-induced phase separation mechanism to form the final products. The mixing processes are very critical for forming the blends with the optimal properties and processabilities. A poor mixing can lead to localized property variation and deteriorate the morphological and mechanical properties of the final cured blends. Due to the importance of the mixing process, methods used for fabrication of epoxy/thermoplastic blends are described in detail in this chapter. Some novel techniques suitable for specific epoxy/thermoplastic blends are also discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Arias ML, Frontini PM, Williams RJJ (2003) Analysis of the damage zone around the crack tip for two rubber-modified epoxy matrices exhibiting different toughenability. Polymer 44:1537–1546

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bennett GS, Farris RJ, Thompson SA (1991) Amine-terminated poly(aryl ether ketone)-epoxy/amine resin systems as tough high performance materials. Polymer 32:1633–1641

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Berg EA et al (1997) Melt-mixing thermoplastic and epoxy resin above Tg or Tm of thermoplastic with curing agent. US 6,197,898

    Google Scholar 

  • Blanco I, Cicala G, Costa M, Recca AJ (2006) Development of an epoxy system characterized by low water absorption and high thermomechanical performances. Appl Polym Sci 100:4880–4887

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bouquey M, Loux C, Muller R, Bouchet G (2011) Morphological study of two-phase polymer blends during compounding in a novel compounder on the basis of elongational flows. J Appl Polym Sci 119:482–490

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brown SB, Orlando CM (1988) Encyclopedia of polymer science and engineering. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Bucknall CB, Partridge IK (1983a) Addition of polyethersulfone to epoxy resins. Br Polym J 15:71–75

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bucknall CB, Partridge IK (1983b) Phase separation in epoxy resins containing polyethersulphone. Polymer 24:639–644

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bucknall CB, Gomez CM, Quintard I (1994) Phase separation from solutions of poly (ether sulphone) in epoxy resins. Polymer 35:353–359

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Butta E, Levita G, Marchetti A, Lazeri A (1986) Morphology and mechanical properties of amine-terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile/epoxy blends. Polym Eng Sci 26:63–73

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cai C, Shi Q, Li L, Zhu L, Yin J (2008) Grafting acrylic acid onto polypropylene by reactive extrusion with pre-irradiated PP as initiator. Radiat Phys Chem 77:370–372

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chandran CS, Muller R, Bouquey M, Serra C, Thomas S (2015) Effect of blend ratio and elongation on the morphology and properties of epoxy resin- poly(trimethylene terephthalate) blends. Polym Eng Sci 55:1679–1688

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chang L, Friedrich K, Ye L, Toro P (2009) Evaluation and visualization of the percolating networks in multi-wall carbon nanotube/epoxy composites. J Mater Sci 44:4003–4012

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng X, Wiggins JS (2014) Continuous reactor preparation of thermoplastic modified epoxy-amine prepolymers. Polym Int 63:1777–1784

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Choe Y, Kim M, Kim W (2003) In situ detection of the onset of phase separation and gelation in epoxy/anhydride/thermoplastic blends. Macromol Res 11:267–272

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cicala G, Recca G, Ziegmann G, Niemeyer S (2009) Development of thermoplastic interleaf films which build up a controlled morphology for toughening of rtm resins. In: 17th international conference on composite materials, Edinburgh, pp 51–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Constantin F, Fenouillot F, Guillaume JL, Koeing R, Pascault JP (2003) Blends of a new thermoplastic in a thermoset epoxy matrix. Macromol Symp 198:335–344

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Di Liello V, Martuscelli E, Musto P, Ragosta G, Scarinzi GJ (1994) Toughening of highly crosslinked epoxy resins by reactive blending with bisphenol A polycarbonate. II. Yield and fracture behavior. J Appl Polym Sci 32:409–419

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finnigan B, Martin D, Halley P, Truss R, Campbell K (2004) Morphology and properties of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites incorporating hydrophilic layered silicates. Polymer 45:2249–2260

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Girard-Reydet E, Vicard V, Pascault JP, Sautereau HJ (1997) Polyetherimide-modified epoxy networks: influence of cure conditions on morphology and mechanical properties. J Appl Polym Sci 65:2433–2445

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gojny FH, Wichmann MHG, Köpke U, Fiedler B, Schulte K (2004) Carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy-composites: enhanced stiffness and fracture toughness at low nanotube content. Compos Sci Technol 64:2363–2371

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hourston DJ, Lane JM (1992) The toughening of epoxy resins with thermoplastics: 1. Trifunctional epoxy resin-polyetherimide blends. Polymer 33:1379–1383

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hourston DJ, Lane JM, Zhang HX (1997) Toughening of epoxy resins with thermoplastics: 3. An investigation into the effects of composition on the properties of epoxy resin blends. Polym Int 42:349–355

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Inoue T (1995) Reaction-induced phase decomposition in polymer blends. Prog Polym Sci 20:119–153

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ishii Y, Ryan AJ (2000) Processing of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) with epoxy resin. 1. Reaction-induced phase separation. Macromolecules 33:158–166

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Izawa S, Toyama K (1973) Glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic resinous composition. US 3,763,088

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim HC, Char KH (2000) Effect of phase separation on rheological properties during the isothermal curing of epoxy toughened with thermoplastic polymer. Ind Eng Chem Res 39:955–959

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim JK, Robertson RE (1992) Toughening of thermoset polymers by rigid crystalline particles. J Mater Sci 27:161–174

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim BS, Chiba T, Inoue T (1995) Morphology development via reaction-induced phase separation in epoxy/poly(ether sulfone) blends: morphology control using poly(ether sulfone) with functional end-groups. Polymer 1:43–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kingsley D, Cheng X, Yang J, Wiggins JS (2012) Continuous polymer reactor design for prepreg epoxy matrix prepolymers. In: International SAMPE technical conference, Charleston

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma Z, Stanford JL, Dutta BK (2009) Reaction kinetics of epoxy resin modified with reactive and nonreactive thermoplastic copolymers. J Appl Polym Sci 112:2391–2400

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • May C (1988) Epoxy resins: chemistry and technology. Marcel Dekker, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Mimura K, Ito H, Fujioka H (2000) Improvement of thermal and mechanical properties by control of morphologies in PES-modified epoxy resins. Polymer 41:4451–4459

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mimura K, Ito H, Fujioka H (2001) Toughening of epoxy resin modified with in-situ polymerized thermoplastic polymers. Polymer 42:9223–9233

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moad G (1999) The synthesis of polyolefin graft copolymers by reactive extrusion. Prog Polym Sci 24:81–142

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moribe T (2012) Advanced intermeshing mixers for energy saving and reduction of environmental impact. Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Technol Rev 49:38–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Mustata F, Bicu I (2006) Synthesis, characterization, and properties of multifunctional epoxy maleimide resins. Macromol Mater Eng 29:732–741

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naffakh M, Dumon M, Gerard JF (2006) Study of a reactive epoxy–amine resin enabling in-situ dissolution of thermoplastic films during resin transfer moulding for toughening composites. Compos Sci Technol 66:1376–1384

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oyama HT (2009) Super-tough poly(lactic acid) materials: reactive blending with ethylene copolymer. Polymer 50:747–751

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Park SJ, Kim HC (2001) Thermal stability and toughening of epoxy resin with polysulfone resin. J Polym Sci B Polym Phys 39:121–128

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rauwendaal C (1981) Analysis and experimental evaluation of twin screw extruders. Polym Eng Sci 21:1092–1100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rauwendaal C (1998) Polymer mixing, a self-study guide. Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich

    Google Scholar 

  • Repecka LN (1988) Slurry-mixed heat-curable resin systems having superior tack and drape. US 5,747,615

    Google Scholar 

  • Ricklin S (1983) Solvent cast films. Plast Eng 39:29–33

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Salahudeen SA, Elleithy RH, Alothman O, Alzahrani SM (2011) Comparative study of internal batch mixer such as cam, banbury and roller: numerical simulation and experimental verification. Chem Eng Sci 66:2502–2511

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shokoohi S, Arefazer A, Naderi G (2011) Compatibilized polypropylene/ethylene–propylene–diene-monomer/polyamide6 ternary blends: effect of twin screw extruder processing parameters. Mater Des 32:1697–1703

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sultan JN, McGarry FJ (1973) Effect of rubber particle size on deformation mechanisms in glassy epoxy. Polym Eng Sci 13:29–34

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tadmor Z, Gogos CG (2006) Principles of polymer processing. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Titier C, Pascault JP, Taha M, Rozenberg BJ (1995) Epoxy-amine multimethacrylic prepolymers, kinetic and structural studies. J Polym Sci A 33:175–184

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Titier C, Pascault JP, Taha M (1996) Synthesis of epoxy–amine multiacrylic prepolymers by reactive extrusion. J Polym Sci A 59:415–422

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Utracki LA, Wilkie C (2002) Polymer blends handbook. Springer, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • White JL, Bumm SH (2011) Encyclopedia of polymer blends, volume 2, processing. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams RJJ, Rozenberg BA, Pascault JP (1997) Reaction-induced phase separation in modified thermosetting polymers. Adv Polym Sci 128:95–156

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xanthos M (1992) Reactive extrusion: principles and practice. Hanser, Munich

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu Y, Wang M, Foix D, Li S (2008) Rheological study of epoxy systems blended with poly(ether sulfone) of different molecular weights. Ind Eng Chem Res 47:9361–9369

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang J, Guo Q, Fox BL (2009) Study on thermoplastic-modified multifunctional epoxies: influence of heating rate on cure behavior and phase separation. Compos Sci Technol 69:1172–1179

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang J, Yang T, Lin T, Wang CH (2012) Phase morphology of nanofibre interlayers: critical factor for toughening carbon/epoxy composites. Compos Sci Technol 72:256–262

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive 5050, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406, USA

    Xiaole Cheng & Jeffrey S. Wiggins

Authors
  1. Xiaole Cheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jeffrey S. Wiggins
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xiaole Cheng .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, India

    Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai

  2. Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia

    Nishar Hameed

  3. Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung , Dresden, Germany

    Jürgen Pionteck

  4. Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, China

    Eamor M. Woo

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this entry

Cite this entry

Cheng, X., Wiggins, J.S. (2015). Novel Techniques for the Preparation of Different Epoxy/Thermoplastic Blends. In: Parameswaranpillai, J., Hameed, N., Pionteck, J., Woo, E. (eds) Handbook of Epoxy Blends. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18158-5_16-1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18158-5_16-1

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-18158-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Chemistry and Mat. ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation